DERRY GAA: Fergal Doherty retires from Derry duty

Michael Wilson

Derry midfielder Fergal Doherty said it has been a privilege to wear the Derry jersey after announcing his retirement from the inter-county game.

The Bellaghy star has endured a difficult run with injuries over recent season but remained one of the top performers in the county.

“Unfortunately, due to ongoing work commitments and recurring injuries, I have had to call time on my inter-county career with Derry,” explained the Oak Leaf player.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to wear the red and white jersey representing our county. I have enjoyed my time playing inter-county football and it’s something that I will miss. However, I feel the time is now right to make this call.

“I want to wish Damian Barton and all the lads the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

The new Derry boss said Doherty would be a loss to the county team but wished him well for the future.

“Fergal was a player with great presence and great temperament. He was a leader who commanded respect,” explained Barton.

“Fergal was one of the few players who could catch the ball at a great height and then hit the ground running.

“His immense presence will be missed. However, it is now up to the new generation of Derry footballer to replicate the same qualities which Fergal Doherty demonstrated.”

Former Derry senior football manager, Brian McIver commented:

“I want to wish Fergal well in his retirement from inter-county football. He was a pleasure to work with at all times and is, in my opinion, one of the greatest midfielders to have played the game.”

A county Board statement described the midfielder as a ‘legend’ of Oak Leaf football.

Derry GAA confirms that Fergal Doherty has announced his retirement from inter-county football. The statement read

“We regard Fergal as a living legend of Derry football and behalf of all members and supporters of Derry GAA, we sincerely thank him for his efforts throughout many years. He is, without doubt, one of the greatest players to have represented our county in any code and he will be sorely missed.

We would like to wish Fergal, his wife Paula, and their young family every health and happiness in the future, and also every success in their new business venture.”